ASICS 33-M 2 Review

PROS

Plush cushioning

Comfortable fit

Lightweight

CONS

A little pricey

Absorbs & retains water in heavily wet conditions

OUR VERDICT

The Asics 33-M 2 is a lightweight highly cushioned trainer designed for runners with a neutral foot strike. This shoe is an excellent option for runners looking for a trainer that can provide a natural maximum cushioned ride, remain lightweight, and withstand the mileage.

This shoe has a great look and the first time I put them on I thought, “Wow! These shoes are comfortable and so soft”! I couldn’t wait to see how they felt on the road.

On the road, sidewalk, track, & trails, this shoe feels great. It lives up to the ‘M’ in its name for maximal as it provides maximum cushioning very well.

ASICS 33-M 2 General Info

ASICS 33-M 2 – Lateral Side

The Asics 33-M 2 comes from Asics Natural33 Collection. This collection of shoes is inspired from the 33 joints of the foot. Three models were introduced in the collection in 2015, the 33-M, the 33-FA, & the 33-DFA.

Each of these shoes shares a last that follows the natural contours of the foot designed to work naturally with all 33 joints.

Featuring the brands innovative AmpliFoam cushioning and Solyte midsole, this shoe is designed to provide enhanced cushioning combined with durability.

This particular model gives the most cushioning and is also the most expensive in the collection with a price point of $140. The other models, the FA and the DFA, are designed to give more flexibility and ground feel.

The 33-M 2 is the updated version released for 2016 improved to provide even more cushion than its predecessor. With a low 4 mm heel to toe offset, it provides a more natural transition compared to traditional trainers.

While providing lots of cushion, it remains lightweight weighing 9.1 oz. This caters to the runner looking for a shoe that can provide superior impact protection without feeling clunky.

With a seamless construct, the 33-M 2 provides a secure and comfortable fit, also running true to size.

ASICS 33-M 2 Sole Unit

The material also has the benefit of being very durable thus able to withstand the mileage. The midsole is also constructed using Solyte.

This allows the shoe to maintain its light weight also sharing the features of providing extra cushioning and durability.

According to ASICS, the softer midsoles allow for better flexibility, comfort, & platform adaptability allowing for a more natural running experience. These materials give this shoe that “wow this is soft!” reaction.

This shoe consistently delivers the soft feel throughout each run. I took this shoe on all surfaces and it felt great. I wouldn’t say it’s excellent for track workouts or up tempo runs as it lacks ground responsiveness.

Keep in mind this shoe is not designed for speed work though I had no problems running 100 meter strides in them. Focusing on cushion, I found this shoe to be excellent for maintenance runs, recovery runs and long runs.

ASICS 33-M 2 Upper Info

The fit of this shoe is great. With the Natural33 last this shoe’s design is focused on fitting with your foot’s 33 joints. The last mimics the shape of the foot providing a natural feel.

The rounded toe box provides ample room for a regular sized foot while the heel fits securely not slipping while running.

A great combination of snug and flex, not too tight or too loose. Made with a seamless construct, you don’t have to worry about blisters either. This shoe is designed with Asics ComforDry sockliner and lasting.

I ran in these shoes from hot to cold temperatures as well as dry and wet conditions. They were very breathable and maintained dryness.

I will point out that in a very heavy downpour, while not slick on the surface, they soaked up and retained a ton of water.

But as long as you are not constantly running in heavy rain you shouldn’t have an issue. This is a very comfortable shoe.

ASICS 33-M 2 Conclusions

The Asics 33-M 2 is a neutral maximum cushioned trainer. Using Asics Amplifoam and Solyte mid sole this shoe provides exceptional cushioning along with durability.

Designed with a last tailored to mimic the joints in your feet, this trainer gives both a comfortable and a natural ride.

At a price point of $140 you are truly getting a lot of shoe. With the exception of speed work I would recommend this shoe for almost any run in your weekly rotation.

We thank the nice people at ASICS for sending us a pair of 33-M 2 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Asics 33-M 2 Price Comparison

Lynn Clark is an independent insurance agent and a mom of two from Rome, GA with a passion for health and fitness. She picked up running in 2013 on a whim when asked to be a member of a 30K relay team for a race her company was sponsoring. It's been a love affair ever since. She is now an avid runner training for the next race to compete in.

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User reviews

6

19

Eric

I currently run in Hoka Stinson 3, Clifton 1 & Asics Nibus 17. I like the fit of the Nibus the best, but there are not as cushioned as the Hokas. I would stick with Hokas but I cant get more than 200 mile out of a pair without blowing out the sole. Would the cushioning of these shoes compare to the Hokas I have run in?

I supinate as well, as this is one of the few shoes that handles that gate well. Also cushioned throughout the shoe, not just for midfoot or heel, it’s the whole shoe. Currently on Amazon the white/yellow color variant is $45! Well worth a shot!

Hi Larry, I have not done a lot of walking nor standing for long periods of time in this shoe. I think they would be ok but I would personally steer more towards the Asics Cumulus. I have found this shoe to be great for just that. They provide cushion as well as I believe they will give you more of the support that you need.

I recently found one color combination of the 33M on amazon for $45 a pair. Bought two pair then. I am a 290 lb “large frame” runner, and these handle my size well. Some of the other ASICS shoes didn’t last well, I’d run the sole down to nothing in 200 miles or so on a hard surface. The 33’s handle that well too. They are a little warm and maybe don’t breathe as well as other models, something I’ll pay heed to here in Texas as the weather warms up. I liked the GT-3000 too, but prefer the 33M.

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